Border city legislation and our local needs will always be my top priorities. We need railroad underpasses in Moorhead. We need legislation to support our housing economy. We need to keep our local businesses strong. Moorhead is growing and in an excellent position for sustained growth. New infrastructure and existing economic programs will play key roles in keeping our district ready for that growth.

Transportation continues to be an issue everyone talks about, but doesn’t see results. In 2014, all House members and Governor Dayton campaigned on getting a long-term, comprehensive transportation plan done; yet, nothing happened. Action speaks louder than words and this action will take compromise. Everyone needs to give and take to accomplish real transportation solutions. I support a plan that uses some existing revenue, some new revenue and some bonding capacity. Our roads and bridges can’t wait another two years for us to act. This absolutely needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Broadband is another issue that will bring economic opportunities to all corners of the state. It’s not good enough for people to have to sit in school parking lots to access high speed internet for work. The broadband needs are immense in Minnesota, especially Greater Minnesota, and will play a crucial role in the future of our economy. I view this much like rural electric and telephone services at the turn of the last century. We must take bold action to ensure all Minnesotans have reliable, sufficient access to the world of information available at the click of a button.